All Aboard! Now Leaving on Track 1

The Monticello Railroad Museum held their inaugural tractor show on Saturday, August 9, 2025. I attended with a group of friends, Marvin Stinebaker, Carl Davis, “train fanatic extraordinaire,” Keith Ladage, and friend, fellow journalist & author Cindy Ladage The five of us met for breakfast and formed a convoy, making the travel as enjoyable as the final destination.

I must say, the museum was far beyond my expectations. It was such an amazing experience. They operate on 11 miles of track that spans from White Heath down into the heart of Monticello. The grounds are vast enough to hold buildings to house a majority of the train collection.

There are two depots that have been relicated from DeLand and another location in the city . The train schedules many departures from the museum grounds , with a layover in Monticello. Buying a ticket and riding the rails is just like days gone by.

The museum is totally staffed by volunteers. Everyone brings their own experience and knowledge to keep history alive. Volunteer conductor John Crawford even dresses the part (Cindy interviewed many more people. She covered the event in much greater detail)

**Conductor John Crawford greets ttain guests**

John and I had a minute to “talk tractor” He shared memories of his father buying a Farmall F-20 new. Grayson Rademaker brought one to display. The smile on John’s face was worthy of a Kodak moment.

There was so much to see and experience throughout the event. Our group pretty much went their separate ways to enjoy the event. Carl, of course, was like a kid in the candy store. Marvin was more his typical laid-back self. Cindy, with Keith, did what they did best, reported coverage of the event. I had left my notepad in the truck, deciding to be more of a tractor guy and less a reporter. After doing some photography, I hung out with Marvin and enjoyed the day.

Pictures from the train